107,329
patrons welcomed, a record for Zach
Community Impact | 2025-26 Season
Where Austin Lights Up
Every seat, spotlight, and school visit brings us closer together. Your support makes bold stories possible, opens doors to theater, and helps young people find their voice.
What we made possible, together
473
performances across the season
46,000+
free or deeply discounted tickets
$5.2M
invested in local creative talent
The story behind the numbers
Big stories with a lasting impact
From ambitious productions to opportunities for the next generation, your support helps theater reach beyond the stage and into the life of our city.
491 artists and creatives employed
made here and felt everywhere
Zach brought 7 musicals and 3 plays to life this season, including new work that expands what theater can be.
Original work with a future beyond our stages
new voices take center stage
Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical made its world premiere at Zach, expanding the canon of bilingual musicals for young audiences. The story is now growing into a full two-act production.
The power of a play
The train that took austin by storm
Murder on the Orient Express became the second highest-attended play in Zach’s history, welcoming 12,770 patrons during a sold-out run.
Young people, bright futures
Big dreams start with Zach Youth
Each year, Zach Youth serves more than 3,000 young people through camps, classes, and pre-professional training that fuel creativity, confidence, and community.
3,391
students served
$141,000+
in financial aid for 156 families and students
100%
of graduating seniors in audition-based programs accepted to performing arts colleges
Expanding Access for more audiences
$1.3M in total ticket subsidies
Zach is a place for everyone's story.
Cost, access, or ability should never stand between someone and the joy of live theater. This season, Zach invested $1.3 million in ticket subsidies and access initiatives to help more people experience the power of a shared story.
field trips for all
All the classroom's a stage
Because of supporters like you, no school is turned away because of cost, including Title I schools. Students connect what they’re learning in the classroom with the experience of live performance.
24,785
students attended a field-trip performances
275
schools attended a field-trip performance
55%
of student attendees came from Title I schools: 13,737 students from 133 schools
“Doing plays in Texas is very much a homecoming celebration. Specifically working at Zach Theater, under Dave Steakley’s leadership, I experience a theater that’s very welcoming to my work and a community that’s bold and accepts beautiful challenges.”
Suzan-Lori Parks · Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Sally & Tom
Go deeper
See the full story of your impact
Explore the 2025–26 Impact Report for more about the productions, students, artists, access programs, and community support that shaped this season.
Power the story
Help light up what comes next.
Your support helps Zach create bold theater, reach more students, invest in local artists, and connect more communities through shared experiences.